Labornet Japan is a network of citizens, unionists, activists, scholars and others from all walks of life to share information especially about rights and struggles in and outside of Japan. Established in 2001, the group now has more than 500 members, and the membership is growing. The English site introduces some reports shared on Labornet Japan website and other sources outside of Japan.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

‘I can’t lend a hand in allowing this country to wage war’ ～ A teacher stands strong against reprimand

Tokyo
Board of Education on March 30 executed a 10-percent salary cut for a month to
reprimand TANAKA Satoshi, a teacher at Itabashi Tokyo Metropolitan School for
Children with Special Needs, for refusing to stand for the Kimigayo national
anthem. A protest meeting was held the next day at Zensuido Hall in Suidobashi,
Tokyo, and some 70 people participated. “I had feared I would have the salary
cut for six months this time, but it turned out to be one month, thanks to my
supporters who raised voices to demand that the education board not take
disciplinary actions against me. Some of my colleagues at school also
encouraged me,” says Tanaka. “Top-down decision-making now prevails at schools,
and teachers are getting involved in the policy aimed at allowing this country
to wage wars. Refusing to stand for the singing of the national anthem has
great significance under such circumstances.”(SASAKI Yumi)